Announcement of Distinguished Research Award

January 8, 2008

The Arc of the United States presented Wayne Sailor, PhD (KUCDD), with its 2007 Distinguished Research Award at its 56th annual convention, held Oct. 11-13 in Dallas. The award honors an outstanding researcher who has contributed in significant ways to research that enhances the well-being of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, or that prevents such conditions and/or related effects.

Dr. Sailor is widely recognized as an international expert in and has contributed extensively to the research knowledge base on the education of students with intellectual disabilities. His research has addressed multiple related areas, all intended to improve the quality of the education of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. His research focuses in the areas of inclusion for students with severe disabilities; school/home/community partnerships; positive behavior supports; and school restructuring, service integration and schoolwide reform.

Supporting research related to intellectual disabilities has always been an important part of The Arc's mission. The Arc's Research Fund was created in 1957 during a three-year survey to determine what kind and how much research was being done in the field of mental retardation. This fund has supported a broad range of research projects over the years, including Dr. Robert Guthrie's newborn screening test for PKU, which is a test all states now require infants be given at birth in order to prevent possible developmental disabilities. Beginning in 1978, The Arc recognized outstanding researchers in the field with the Distinguished Research Award presented at the national convention. Dr. Guthrie received The Arc's Distinguished Research Award in 1983.